Dermapen Skin Needling

Skin Needling is a medical procedure using the Dermapen Medical Device which is performed by medically trained staff. The Dermapen is a hand held device with tiny needles. This device is able to provide the operator with definite depth and speed parameters. We are able to treat from 0,5mm up 2,5mm depending on what the patient requires.

This quick procedure produces thousands of tiny ‘wounds’ which can penetrate as deeply as the dermis and produces an inflammatory and eventually healing process.

Growth-factors are thus released within the skin to form new tissue layers and stimulate our natural collagen with minimal downtime.

When should one start Skin Needling?

This of course depends on the reason for using this treatment modality - and hence discussion with Dr Sinclair would be important first.

However, for Ageing specifically and preventing Collagen deterioration - from our early 20’s this treatment is extremely useful.  Hence, the sooner one starts with this type of procedure, the skin has a much greater ability to rejuvenate. If wrinkles are left and they become ingrained and scar like they are much more difficult.

However, regardless of age, this procedure is very effective and is often advised as part of your anti-ageing regime.

What areas/problems can be treated?

Skin Needling is NOT a solution for Keloid scars.

Skin Needling should not be used on any active inflammatory condition including active acne.  

Also skin type is important - this would be discussed with you by Dr Sinclair or her  therapists.

DERMAPEN is recommended for targetting:

• Aged sagging skin
• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Smoker's lines around the lips
• Skin tightening & rejuvenation
• Large pores
• Stretch marks
• Scars (acne, surgical and burns)
• Alpoecia (in conjuction with topical treatment)

What To Expect After your Skin Needling procedure?

The tiny needles only penetrate through the epidermis and do not remove it. Thus the skin’s natural protective barrier remains intact. The epidermis heals rapidly, in a matter of hours.

After the procedure, the treated skin has the appearance of moderate sunburn which improves over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Make up can be worn the following day.  You may apply a Medical base immediatley if you need to return to work.

The results are not immediate,  as it takes at least 90-120 days for collagen to be manufactured by the body once the treatment has been performed.

Treatment effects are cumulative with each session and a softening of fine lines and wrinkles will usually be seen within 6-8 weeks of each treatment.

We normally recommend a course of 4-6 sessions, 4 weeks apart for optimal results.

Over a period of 6-12 months, this new collagen slowly matures and progressive tightening of the skin is noted.

What are the advantages Skin Needling over other resurfacing procedures?

Skin Needling with the Dermapen device has minimal downtime, and is generally affordable.

This makes it a very useful alternative for slowing the ageing process.

Traditional lasers such as the  CO2 laser need anesthesia and destroy the important skin protecting epidermis resulting in prolonged downtime and significant discomfort.

The advantage of Skin Needling is that the epidermis, the natural skin barrier remains intact resulting in no downtime, no post procedural sun sensitivity, significantly reduced risk of infections, no post operative pain, and no pigment problems as the melanocytes remain intact.

Skin Needling offers similar results for acne scars and deeper wrinkles as for the fractionated laser.  For some patients though a combination of Laser and needling may be recommended.

How many treatments are recommended for rejuvenation, acne scarring and stretch marks? (General guide)
Rejuvenation: 4-6 treatments 4 weeks apart
Acne scarring: 6 treatments 6 weeks apart
Stretch marks: <>10 treatments 4-6 weeks apart

Can this be combined with other procedures?

Yes, Skin needling can easily be combined with other non invasive procedures such as Medical Laser, Anti-wrinkle Injections, Fillers, Medical Peels, and other non ablative laser procedures.

Combined procedures usually give superior results, due the use of different treatment modalities - and again depends on the needs of the patient.

Is Dermapen Skin Needling safe?

One hour before the treatment a local numbing agent is applied to the area making the procedure almost painless. This is provided for you.

The treated epidermis heals rapidly in a matter of hours. After the procedure, the treated skin has the appearance of moderate sunburn which improves over the next 24 to 48 hours. Make up can be worn the following day.